Rosai-Dorfman disease of cranial and spinal origin - A case series

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is an idiopathic nonneoplastic lymphadenopathy disorder which is characterized by lymph node enlargement, but it may also presents primarily involving a variety of extranodal sites, including central nerves system and craniospinal axis. This study reports five cases of craniospinal RDD, with review of epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging, and histopathological features with current management strategies.

Five cases of RDD are diagnosed at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar, during 2013-2018. Two cases had dural-based cranial lesions with overlying cranial involvement while three cases were having extradural thoracic spine lesions. All cases underwent surgical intervention and confirmed by histopathology.

Craniospinal RDD is a rare clinical presentation and poses significant diagnostic challenges preoperatively due to its similarity with other neoplastic or inflammatory diseases. Surgical option to remove compressive neural pathology provides a good clinical outcome with no recurrence in long-term follow-up.